JPH05166328A - Clamp mechanism for disk driver - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] An object of the present invention is to hold a holding force by a holding ring, a force suitable for balance adjustment of a disk pack, and a force suitable for operating the disk pack in a disk drive device.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamp mechanism that can be selectively changed. A split grip ring 30 is detachably fitted in a positioning groove 28 formed in a rotatable spindle hub. First and second stop grooves 34, 36 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the split grip ring and are axially separated from each other. A retaining ring 32 with a plurality of elastic teeth 40 extending radially inward is mounted around the split grip ring by engaging the teeth with the first or second stop groove. The retaining ring engages the first stop groove to impart a relatively small clamping force to the disc 18,
By engaging with the stop groove of the disc, a clamping force for securely fixing the disc is supplied.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a disk drive apparatus, a clamp mechanism for fixing a plurality of information storage disks to a rotatable spindle hub, a fixing method for fixing a plurality of storage disks to a spindle hub, and the clamp mechanism. And a fixture for fixing a plurality of discs to a spindle hub by using.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, direct access storage devices (DASD) such as disk drive devices have become widely known. Generally, conventional disk storage devices are installed in hubs
It comprises one or more storage disks and a motor for rotating the hub. Such a storage device and the clamping mechanism used to secure the storage disk to the hub are disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,918,545.

When glass is used as the substrate for the storage disk, it is important to hold the storage disk so that it does not slip, bend, or break.
Also, the force applied to the storage disk must be adjusted so that it is not high enough to break the glass and low enough to cause the storage disk to slip due to shock and vibration. Such a clamping force must be kept substantially constant even when a dimensional change due to a temperature change occurs.

Further, the clamp mechanism for fixing the storage disk to the hub can allow relative movement between the recording disk and the hub for the purpose of balance adjustment, and the storage disk is operated by the hub when the recording apparatus is in operation. It is desirable that it can be securely fixed to. And ideally, it is desirable to be able to easily release the clamp so that the storage disk can be readjusted.

Conventionally, a push-in type retaining ring for fixing a plurality of members to a shaft is known. The retaining rings are formed of forged metal and have a plurality of teeth extending radially inwardly to engage the shaft. Such retaining rings are widely used in automobiles and agricultural machinery and are available, for example, from WorldTourach. US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 428,848, previously filed by the applicant, discloses a clamping mechanism using a retaining ring as described above to secure a plurality of information storage disks to a hub.

[0006]

Therefore, the present invention is
It is directed to an improved clamp mechanism for securing a plurality of information storage disks to a rotatable spindle hub of a disk drive using a push-fitting retaining ring having elasticity, the purpose of which is to provide a spindle of the disk drive. It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamp mechanism that applies a uniform axial force to a disc pack mounted on a hub.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a clamping mechanism capable of selectively changing the holding force between a force suitable for adjusting the balance of the disk pack and a force suitable for operating the disk pack in the disk drive. To provide.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a clamp mechanism that can be easily released to readjust a disk pack.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a holding force for holding the disk loosely for balance adjustment, and a holding force for holding the disk securely when the disk drive device operates.
It is to provide a clamp mechanism having a clamping force in stages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a clamp mechanism which can be mounted and released by applying an axial pressing force in the same direction.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method of fixing a plurality of information storage disks to a rotatable spindle hub of a disk drive device by using a retaining ring.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fixture for holding a disc pack and for applying a controlled axial force to the clamping mechanism both when mounting and releasing the clamping mechanism. ..

[0013]

To achieve the above object, a clamp mechanism according to the present invention positions a grip ring mounted around a hub and a grip ring at a predetermined axial position with respect to the hub. And positioning means. A push-fitting retaining ring is removably formed about the gripping rings, the retaining ring and the retaining ring engaging the retaining ring with respect to the retaining ring in at least one preselected position. Inter-engaging means are provided for retaining.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positioning means has a groove formed around the hub and an inner peripheral surface formed on the grip ring so as to be engageable with the groove. ..

Further, the grip ring has a slit so that the grip ring contracts when engaged with the groove and expands in diameter when disengaged from the groove. In the engaged state, the mutual engagement means restricts the expansion of the grip ring and prevents the grip ring from being disengaged from the groove.

The interengaging means is formed in the grip ring and located on the outer side, and is formed in the holding ring and extends radially inward from the holding ring to engage with the groove of the grip ring. At least one tooth having possible elasticity.

Further, the mutual engagement means includes a plurality of grooves formed on the grip ring and spaced apart in the axial direction, and at least one groove formed on the holding ring and extending inward from the holding ring. Two elastic teeth, the teeth selectively engaging grooves formed in the grip ring to secure the retaining ring in different axial positions relative to the grip ring.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positioning means positions the grip ring at a position spaced from the disc, and the retaining ring is directed toward the disc to disengage the interengaging means. It is movable.

The retaining ring has a plurality of teeth extending inward and engageable with the grip ring, the teeth defining a predetermined inner diameter. At least a portion of the hub located between the grip ring and the disc is
The diameter is smaller than the predetermined inner diameter.

According to the fixing method of the present invention, the annular groove located on one side of the plurality of disks is provided around the hub, and the outer peripheral surface having a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the retaining ring is provided. Having a split ring mounted around the hub and engageable with the annular groove, the split ring is mounted around the hub with the annular groove engaged and the teeth are The retaining ring is mounted around the split ring while being engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the split ring.

According to a preferred embodiment of the fixing method according to the present invention, an annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the split ring, and the engagement of the teeth with the outer peripheral surface of the split ring is performed with the groove. It is done by engagement.

Further, according to the fixing method of the present invention, a pair of annular grooves spaced from each other are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the split ring, and the engagement between the outer peripheral surface of the split ring and the teeth is
This is done by first engaging the teeth in one groove and then engaging the other groove.

The groove that first engages the tooth is farther from the disc than the other groove.

According to the fixing method of the present invention, after the disc is fixed to the hub, the retaining ring is pressed over the split ring to disengage the teeth from the outer peripheral surface of the split ring. The clamping of the disc is released.

The fixture according to the present invention is attached to the base by supporting the base to which the hub is attached, the holding plate having an opening through which the hub can be inserted, and the holding plate supported on one side of the base. First means for holding around the hub and above a disk fixed to the hub; a clamp plate having an opening through which the hub can be inserted;
It is possible to move around the hub attached to the above base,
And a second means movably attached to the holding plate for pressing the holding plate along the hub.

Further, the present invention is a combination of a hub, an assembly having a plurality of discs and spacers which are coaxially laminated on the hub and extend radially from the hub, and a clamp mechanism for fixing the assembly to the hub. According to the device of the present invention, the clamp mechanism includes a grip ring mounted around the hub, positioning means for positioning the grip ring on one side of the assembly with respect to the hub, and around the grip ring. A retaining ring to be mounted; and a retaining ring and interengaging means provided on the retaining ring for engaging and retaining the retaining ring in at least one preselected position relative to the retaining ring. ing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the above device, the positioning means has a groove formed around the hub and an inner peripheral surface formed on the grip ring so as to be engageable with the groove. ,have.

Further, the grip ring has a slit so that the grip ring contracts when engaged with the groove and expands in diameter when disengaged from the groove. In the engaged state, the mutual engagement means restricts the expansion of the grip ring and prevents the grip ring from being disengaged from the groove.

The mutual engaging means is formed in the holding ring and located on the outer side, and is formed in the holding ring and extends radially inward from the holding ring to engage with the groove of the holding ring. At least one tooth having possible elasticity.

The mutual engagement means includes a plurality of grooves formed in the grip ring and spaced apart in the axial direction, and at least one groove formed in the holding ring and extending inward from the holding ring. Two resilient teeth, the teeth selectively engaging grooves formed in the grip ring to secure the retaining ring in different axial positions with respect to the grip ring, and the clamping mechanism. Vary the axial compressive force applied to the assembly.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positioning means positions the grip ring in a position spaced from the disc, and the retaining ring disengages the interengaging means to release the clamp. As described above, it is movable in the assembly direction.

The retaining ring has a plurality of teeth extending inward and engageable with the grip ring, the teeth defining a predetermined inner diameter. At least a portion of the hub located between the grip ring and the disc is
The diameter is smaller than the predetermined inner diameter.

According to the present invention, the clamp mechanism for fixing the plurality of discs to the hub under the condition that the compressive force in the axial direction is applied is provided on the hub, and the gripping mechanism is formed on the shoulder portion on one side of the discs. Means, an annular groove formed around the shoulder portion, slidable on the hub, and engageable with the annular groove formed in the shoulder portion. Retaining ring means for exerting an axial compressive force on the disc when engaged with.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least a pair of annular grooves axially spaced from each other are formed around the shoulder, the ring means selectively engaging one of the grooves. The ring means is movable over the shoulder so as to change the axial compressive force applied to the disk.

According to the present invention, the shoulder portion of the gripping means is axially spaced from the disc, and the retaining ring means is pushed in the disc direction beyond the shoulder portion. Be taken off.

[0036]

According to the present invention constructed as described above, after the grip ring is mounted at the predetermined position of the hub by the positioning means, the retaining ring is mounted around the hub and selected with respect to the grip ring by the mutual engagement means. Is held in the specified position.
As a result, a clamping force in the axial direction is applied to the plurality of discs and the discs are fixed to the hub. Further, according to the present invention, the clamp mechanism changes the engaging position of the holding ring with respect to the holding ring to allow a relatively gentle clamping force that allows the balance adjustment of the disc, and a disc during operation of the disc in the disc drive. A clamping force that provides a secure clamping can be selected.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a disk drive device 10 having a substrate 12 and a cover 14 (a part of the device is cut away to show the inside of the device). A disk pack 16 is placed on the substrate 12, and the disk pack has a plurality of storage disks 16 coaxially mounted around the spindle hub 20. As a drive mechanism of a disk drive device, for example, US patent application No.
The drive mechanism disclosed in 07 / 428,848 is used.
A head assembly 22 extends on the uppermost storage disk 18.

FIG. 2 discloses a method of mounting a plurality of storage disks 18 on the spindle hub 20. As can be seen from this figure, the spindle hub 20 has a collar 24 fixed to the lower end outer circumference and extending from the lower end outer circumference. The lowermost storage disk 18 is mounted on the collar 24. Adjacent storage disks 18 are separated from each other by an annular spacer 26. The storage disk 18 and the spacer 26 are slidable on the spindle hub 20 in the axial direction. The tolerance between the spacer 26 and the spindle hub 20 is set small enough so that the spacer can be centered on the spindle hub.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spindle hub 20
Has its upper end extending beyond the uppermost storage disk 18. An annular positioning groove 28 is formed on the outer periphery of the upper end of the spindle hub 20 so as to be separated from the uppermost storage disk 18.
Are formed. It has an open trapezoidal cross section, as shown in the right part of FIG.

The clamp mechanism according to the present invention has a positioning groove 28, an annular split grip ring 30 formed so as to be auxiliary engageable with the positioning groove, and elasticity capable of engaging with the outer peripheral surface of the grip ring. And a retaining ring 32. The split grip ring 30 is made of a hardened metal, such as P.
It is made of H-17 stainless steel. The shape of the inner peripheral portion of the divided grip ring 30 is trapezoidal corresponding to the positioning groove 28. Annular first and second stop grooves 34 and 36 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the split holding ring 30, respectively, and they are located apart from each other in the axial direction. The retaining ring 32 is a commercially available component of known construction and is available, for example, from a company such as World-Truark. Such retaining rings are commonly used in automobiles, agricultural machinery, etc. to secure components to shafts.

The divided grip ring 30 has elasticity, and the inner diameter of the grip ring is a diameter suitable for fitting with the positioning groove 28 in a state where it is not elastically deformed. The slits in the split grip ring 30, indicated by reference numeral 38, allow the grip ring to be elastically spread out so that it can pass over the spindle hub during removal of the grip ring. .. The retaining ring 32 has a plurality of teeth 40 extending inward in the radial direction, and these teeth define the inner diameter of the retaining ring. Further, these teeth 40 are formed so as to be elastically deformable, and allow mounting of the retaining ring on the split grip ring 30. First
And the second stop grooves 34, 36 are formed to receive the teeth 40 and act as retainers,
As a result, the holding ring 32 can be selectively engaged with the split grip ring 30 at two axially separated positions.

FIG. 3 shows the spindle hub 20 in which the disc pack 16 is mounted and the clamp mechanism in a state of being engaged with the first stop groove 34 of the split grip ring 30. As can be seen, the split grip ring 30 is fitted in the positioning groove 28, and the retaining ring 32 holds the split grip ring so that it does not come out of the positioning groove, and the storage disk is passed through the top storage disk. Axial pressure is applied to.

4 to 7 show the steps of mounting the clamp mechanism, respectively. In FIG. 4, the disc pack 16 is mounted on the spindle hub 20,
The split grip ring 30 is just before being mounted in the positioning groove 28. In FIG. 5, the split grip ring 30 has the positioning groove 2
8 shows a state immediately before the retaining ring 32 is engaged with the outer circumference of the split grip ring. From FIG. 5 it can be seen that the split grip ring 30 is spaced from the top surface of the uppermost storage disk 18. This gap is slightly larger than the thickness of the teeth 40 of the retaining ring 32 and is approximately 0.05 mm.
Is set to. In FIG. 6, the retaining ring 32 is engaged with the first stop groove 34 of the split grip ring 30. This corresponds to the state shown in FIG. 3, in which the first degree (lower) axial pressure is applied to the disc pack 16 and the storage disc 18 in the disc pack is relatively loose. In equilibrium. After the stage shown in FIG. 6 and before the stage shown in FIG. 7, the disc pack assembly is adjusted to a mechanically balanced state. FIG. 7 shows the retaining ring 32 engaged in the second stop groove 36 and in the final clamped state, in which state the clamping mechanism operates the direct access storage device in which the disk pack is used. In between, hold the disc pack in the optimum condition.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the holding ring 32 is pushed over the split holding ring 30. In this case, the sandwich of the disc pack is released, and if necessary,
The disk pack can be readjusted. When the clamp mechanism is in the state shown in FIG. 8, the split grip ring 30 is easily removed from the positioning groove 28, and the spindle hub 2
Can be removed from scratch.

FIGS. 9-12 show a fixture used to facilitate the assembly of the disc pack and the attachment and detachment of the clamping mechanism according to the present invention. As best seen in FIG. 12, this fixture includes a base 44 having an inclined platform 46 and a retaining plate 54.
The insert ring 60, the knob nut 62, the studs 64 and 74, and the clamp plate 66.

The base 46 is formed with a central recess 48 into which the collar 24 of the spindle hub 20 can be fitted, and three disk positioning posts 50 are provided upright. Each of these posts 50 has a stud 52 extending therefrom and threaded to hold the storage disk 18 mounted between the posts in alignment with the central recess 48. To do
They are provided apart from each other. The holding plate 54 has a plurality of through holes 56 formed so as to slidably receive the stud 52 and a central opening 58 having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the spindle hub 20. Insert ring 60 (10th
(See FIGS. 11 and 12) is formed so as to be movable through the central opening 58 and outside the spindle hub 20, and is also attached to the spindle hub.
Is formed to be engageable with. The knob nut 62 meshes with the stud 52 to fix the holding plate 54 to the post 50. The stud 64 is fixed to the holding plate 54, and the central opening 5
8 are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals and project from the holding plate. The clamp plate 66 includes a central opening 68 that supports the insertion ring 60 and the knob nut 6.
It has an arcuate notch 70 that accommodates 2 and a through hole 72 through which the stud 64 is inserted. The knob nut 74 meshes with the stud 64 and engages with the upper surface of the clamp plate 66.

The operation steps for assembling the disc pack and mounting the clamp mechanism using the mounting tool 42 configured as described above are as follows.

(1) The spindle hub 20 is inserted into the central recess 48 with the collar 24 facing down (see FIG. 11).

(2) Storage disk 18 and spacer 2
6 are alternately mounted on the spindle hub 20. During this operation, the storage disk 18 is centered by the posts 50 (see FIG. 10) and the spacers are similarly centered due to the very small clearance between the spacer and the spindle hub.

(3) After mounting the storage disk, the split grip ring 30 is fitted into the positioning groove 28 as shown in FIG.

(4) The retaining ring 32 is the spindle hub 2.
It is placed at the top of 0.

(5) With the stud 52 inserted into the through hole 56, the holding plate 54 is placed on the post 50 and fixed by the knob nut 62, and the holding ring is placed on the disc pack. It keeps the condition.

(6) The clamp plate 66 is positioned on the holding plate 54 with the stud 64 inserted into the through hole 72 and with the insertion ring 60 engaged with the upper surface of the holding ring 32.

(7) With the fixture set as described above, the knob nut 74 is meshed with the stud 64 and gradually tightened to carry out the pinching step described below.

(A) The clamp plate 66 is displaced so that the teeth 40 of the retaining ring 32 are pushed into the first stop groove 34 as shown in FIG. 6 (this position is "light clamping force").
This light clamping force allows the displacement of the storage disk for balance adjustment and is strong enough to correct the unbalance of the spindle hub).

(B) The disc pack is removed from the fixture and mounted on a balancing jig for dynamic balance adjustment.

(C) After the balance adjustment, the disc pack is again mounted on the fixture, the knob nut 74 is tightened, and the holding ring 32 engages with the second stop groove 36 as shown in FIG. Is pushed into the position where
Corresponds to the final strong clamping position).

If readjustment is required after the above steps, the disc pack is reattached to the fixture and the thumb nut 74
And push the retaining ring 32 until it passes over the split grip ring 30. As a result, the pinch is released as shown in FIG.

[0060]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a clamp mechanism which can apply a uniformly controlled clamping force to a disc pack and can be easily released during readjustment. Further, the clamp mechanism according to the present invention provides a two-stage clamping force, that is, a clamping force that provides a relatively loose clamping to allow balance adjustment, and a reliable clamping during the operation of the disk pack in the direct access storage device. The clamping force provided can be supplied.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a direct access storage device having a clamp mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention with a cover cut away so that the clamp mechanism and the disc pack can be seen.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dispack and clamp mechanism, showing a state in which a split grip ring and a retaining ring are removed from a spindle hub.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a disc pack held by a clamp mechanism according to the present invention.

4 is a state immediately before the split grip ring is mounted in a positioning groove formed in the spindle hub, and shows a first mounting step of the clamp mechanism according to the present invention, which is a line 4 in FIG. 3;
4 is a sectional view taken along line 4. FIG.

FIG. 5: A split grip ring is mounted in the positioning groove,
Sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 4 which shows the 2nd mounting process of the said clamp mechanism in the state just before a holding ring is engaged with a division | segmentation holding ring.

FIG. 6 is a third view of the clamp mechanism in which the holding ring is engaged with the first stop groove formed in the split holding ring so that the balance of the disc pack can be adjusted.
Sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 4 which shows the mounting process of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a second holding ring formed on the split grip ring.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4 showing a fourth or final mounting step of the clamp mechanism, which is engaged with the stop groove of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a state in which the holding ring is pressed beyond the split grip ring in order to release the clamp mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the fixture according to the present invention in a state where an axial compressive force is applied to the holding ring of the clamp mechanism according to the present invention.

10 is a cross-sectional view of the fixture taken along line 10-10 of FIG.

FIG. 11: Line 1 of FIG. 9 showing the operation of the fixture to exert an axial compressive force on the retaining ring of the clamping mechanism.
The expanded sectional view along with 1-11.

FIG. 12 shows a state in which the disc pack is removed,
The disassembled perspective view of the said attachment.

[Explanation of symbols]

16 ... Disk pack, 18 ... Storage disk, 20 ... Spindle hub, 28 ... Positioning groove, 30 ... Dividing grip ring, 32 ... Retaining ring, 34 ... First stop groove, 36 ... Second stop groove, 40 ... Teeth , 44 ... Base, 54 ... Holding plate,
66 ... Clamp plate.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A clamping mechanism for fixing a plurality of discs around a hub in a state where an axial compression force is applied, wherein a grip ring mounted around the hub, and the grip ring with respect to the hub. Positioning means for positioning at a predetermined axial position, a retaining ring mounted around the grip ring, a retaining ring and a retaining ring provided on the retaining ring, and engaging the retaining ring with respect to the retaining ring. A clamping mechanism which holds the interengaging means in one preselected position. 2. A retaining ring having a plurality of elastic teeth which extend radially inward to define an inner diameter and are spaced from each other, wherein a plurality of discs mounted around the hub are provided. In the fixing method of fixing to the hub, an annular groove located on one side of the plurality of disks is provided around the hub, and has an outer peripheral surface having a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the retaining ring, A split ring mounted around the hub and engageable with the annular groove is prepared, and the split ring is mounted around the hub in a state of being engaged with the annular groove, and the teeth have a split ring. A fixing method characterized in that the retaining ring is mounted around the split ring in a state of being engaged with the outer peripheral surface. 3. A fixture for securing a plurality of discs to a hub using a retaining ring having a plurality of elastic teeth extending radially inward and spaced from each other, the hub comprising: A base to be attached, a holding plate having an opening through which the hub can be inserted, and a holding plate that supports the holding plate on one side of the base and is fixed to the hub around the hub attached to the base. A first means for holding above the disc; a clamp plate having an opening through which the hub can be inserted; and a movable means around the hub attached to the base,
And a second means attached to the holding plate so as to be movable toward the holding plate and pressing the holding plate along the hub. 4. A device in which a hub, an assembly having a plurality of discs and spacers that are stacked coaxially with the hub and extend radially from the hub, and a clamp mechanism that fixes the assembly to the hub are combined. ,
The clamp mechanism includes a grip ring mounted around the hub, positioning means for positioning the grip ring on one side of the assembly with respect to the hub, and a holding ring mounted around the grip ring. Interengaging means provided on the gripping ring and the retaining ring for engaging and retaining the retaining ring in at least one preselected position relative to the gripping ring. 5. A clamping mechanism for fixing a plurality of discs to a hub while applying a compressive force in the axial direction, the holding mechanism being provided on the hub and formed on a shoulder portion on one side of the discs. An annular groove formed around the shoulder portion is slidable on the hub, and is formed so as to be engageable with the annular groove formed on the shoulder portion and engaged with the annular groove. Retaining ring means for applying an axial compressive force to the disk at this time, a clamping mechanism.